What number will LeBron James wear with 76ers? What to know about jersey for newest member of Philadelphia

As soon as LeBron James informed the Lakers he wouldn't be returning next season, the 41-year-old was faced with one of the toughest decisions of his career. He finally decided on the next team in his NBA career, signing a two-year deal with the 76ers. 

After weeks of waiting, James is now faced with another decision: his jersey number.

James has alternated between No. 23 and No. 6 since his first free-agent move in 2010, but a fresh start in Philadelphia gives him the chance for a fresh start with his number.

What number will James wear in his 24th season? Here's what you need to know.

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What number will LeBron James wear with 76ers?

James has not yet announced what number he will wear with the 76ers this coming season.

James has played 17 of his 23 NBA seasons wearing No. 23, but he has been a bit more indecisive in recent years. After switching to No. 6 in Miami, he switched back to No. 23 for his return to Cleveland. James wore both numbers at different points during his eight-year stint with the Lakers.

No. 6 is likely off the table now. The NBA retired the number leaguewide in honor of Bill Russell in 2022. While those who were already wearing the number were grandfathered in, James switched back to No. 23 in 2023 because it was too close to the season to switch when the league retired the number in 2022.

Even if James could technically return to No. 6, it seems unlikely he would go that route given his respect for Russell.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see James stick with No. 23 after spending the last three seasons wearing the number he has the most history with, but he also set out for a fresh start this offseason and could have a surprise up his sleeve.

LeBron James jersey number timeline

2003-10: No. 23

James entered the NBA wearing No. 23 in honor of Michael Jordan, who had just retired for the third and final time. He wore No. 23 for the duration of his first stint with the Cavaliers.

2010-14: No. 6

After "The Decision" to take his talents to South Beach and join the Heat, James had another major change to make. He switched jersey numbers for the first time in his career, wearing No. 6 for all four of his seasons in Miami. James won two championships wearing No. 6.

2014-21: No. 23

A return to Cleveland meant a return to No. 23 for James. He wore No. 23 for his entire second stint with the Cavaliers, winning a championship with the number on his back for the first time. When James left Cleveland for the Lakers in 2018, he decided to stick with No. 23 for the first three seasons.

2021-23: No. 6 

After wearing No. 6 on his practice jersey during his early years with the Lakers, James made the formal switch back to No. 6 in 2021. James had actually attempted to swap numbers with Anthony Davis when the Lakers acquired Davis in 2019, but the NBA prevented the change due to concerns about wasted inventory. Davis stuck with No. 3 by the time James switched in 2021, but James made the change in part to honor Bill Russell and Julius Erving.

2023-26: No. 23

With No. 6 retired leaguewide for Russell, James had the option to continue wearing No. 6 but chose to switch back to No. 23 in 2023 out of respect for the NBA legend.